Heb. 6 1. Q It neyther the frequent vse of tongues nor humane eloquence nor deepe and profound teaching bee of esteeme with you I pray tell me wherein you Ministers are in your teaching most praise worthâ— A. Doe we begin againe to commend our selues or need we as some others Epistles of commendations to you or letters of commendations from you Ye are our Epistle written in our hearts knowne and read of all men For as much as ye are manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ ministred by vs written not with Inke but with the spirit of the living God not in tables of stone but in the fleshy tables of the heart And such trust haue wee through Christ to Godward not that we are sufficient of our selues but our sufficiencie is of God who hath also made vs able Ministers of the new Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit for the letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life 2 Cor. 3 1. And are not you my worke in the LORD If I be not an Apostle vnto others yet doubtlesse I am to you for the Seale of my Apostleship are yee in the LORD 1 Corinth 9 1 2. Q But why should GOD vse the Ministrie of men and not of Angels A. Wee haue this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of GOD and not of vs 2 Cor. 4 7. 2 Every high Priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God that he may offer both guifts and sacrifices for sins who can haue compassion on the ignorant and of them that are out of the way for that hee himselfe also is compassed with infirmity Heb. 5 1 2. Ob. The case so being Christ Iesus himselfe being both God and Man had beene a Minister without all exception A. I tell you the truth it was expedient for you that hee goe away for if hee had not gone away the Comforter would not come vnto you but in that hee departed he hath sent him vnto you c. Who beeing come hee doth guide you into all truth c. Ioh. 16 7 13. Let men therefore teach to obserue all things whatsoever hee commandeth you and loe hee is with you even vnto the end of the World Mathew 28 20. CHAP. XXXIIII Of the Sacraments Ob. IF the Ministrie of the Word be no lesse efficatious then as you haue said it is what further need is there of the Sacraments A. Circumcision verily profiteth Rom. 2 25. For Abraham received the signe of Circumcision a Seale of the righteousnesse of Faith Rom. 4.11 Act 7 8. In whom you also are circumcised with the Circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the Circumcision of CHRIST Col. 2 11. Deut 10 16. Q What promise hath GOD made to Bâ—ptisme A. Thaâ— he will baptize thee with the Holy Ghost and with fire Math. 3 11. For by one spirit we are all baptized into one body whether wee be Iewes or Gentiles whether we be bond or free 1 Cor. 12 13. Whereby Baptisme doth now saue vs not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience towards God by the Resurrection of IESVS CHRIST 1 Pet. 3 21. Acts 16 14. Luk. 7 29 30. Q. Vnto whom doth this belong A. 1 To the Ministers that they teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost Math 28 19. 2 To the people to doe as the publicans who iustified GOD being baptized with the baptisme of Iohn And not to â—o as the Pharisies and Lawyers who reiected the counsell of God against themselues being not baptized of him Luk 7 29.30 Gen. 17 14. Q. See thâ—n here is water what doth hinder me to be baptized Acts 8 36. A 1 If thou beleevest with all thine heart thou mayest Act 8 37 For can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized who haue received the Holy Ghost as well as we Actâ— 10.47 2 You must amend your liues Act. 2 38. And circumcise the fore-skin of your heart Deut. 10.16 And then be baptized every one of you in the name of IESVS CHRIST Acts 2 38. Ob. If Faith and Repentance bee necessary vnto Baptisme seeing Infants cannot actually beleeue nor repent are they therefore to bee excluded from this Sacrament A. Suffer little Children to come vnto me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdome of God Math. 19.14 And if the root be holy so are the branches Rom. 11 16. For the promise was made to Abraham and his seed Gal. 3 16. Gen. 17 2 7 17 12 21 4. Acts 2 39. Q Doth the efficacie of Baptisme depend on the worthinesse of the Minister A. No but on whom thou shalt see the Spirit descend and remaine on him the same is he that doth Baptize with the Holy Ghost Ioh. 1 33 Iohn in deed baptized with Water but yee shall bee baptized with the Holy Ghost Math. 3 11. Q. What need then is there of the Supper of the Lord A. The Cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the Communion of the bloud of Christ The Bread which we breake is it not the Communion of the body of Christ For we being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread 1 Cor. 10 16. Therefore saith Christ take eate this is my body and of the Cup drinke yee all of it for this is my bloud of the new Testament which is shed for many for the Remission of sinnes Math. 26.26 This doe as often as yee doe it in remembrance of me For as often as yee eate of this bread and drinke of this Cup yee doe shew the Lords Death till hee come 1 Corinth 11 25 11 23. Q. May any prophane person bee admitted vnto the Supper of the Lord A. No for if any shall eate of this bread and drinke of this Cup of the Lord vnworthily he shall be guiltie of the body and Bloud of the LORD and he eateth and drinketh Iudgement to himselfe not discerning the Lords body 1 Cor. 11.27 29. Moreover they cannot drinke the Cup of the Lord and the Cup of Divels they cannot be partakers of the Lords Table and the Table of Divels 1 Cor. 10 21. For thus saith the LORD GOD no stranger vncircumcised in heart nor vncircumcised in flesh shall enter into my Sanctuary that is among the Children of Israel Exek 44 9. Ezod 12 48. Leuit. 2 13. Q. What is then to bee done before our comming vnto this Sacrament A. Let a man examine himselfe and so let him eat of that bread and drinke of that cup 1 Cor. 11 28 Also if a stranger shall soiourne among you and will keep this Supper vnto the Lord according to the ordinance and according to the manner thereof so shall he doe Numb 9 14. Who if he doe also iudge himselfe he shall not be iudged 1
that receiueth a Prophet in thâ— name of a Prophet shall receiue a Prâ—phes reward and he that receiueth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receiue a righteous mans reward Anâ— whosoeuer shall giue to drinke vnto one 〈◊〉 these little ones a cup of cold water onely iâ— the name of a Disciple verily I say vntâ— you hee shall in no wise lose his reward Math. 10.41 Ob. I see many in want neither Prophets nor righteous men but my enemies and no louers of goodnesse what in this case must I doe A. If thine enemy be hungry giue him bread to eate and if he be thirsty giue him water to drinke for thou shalt heape coles of fire vpon his head and the Lord shall reward thee Prou. 25.21 And cast thy bread vpon waters for thou shalt finde it after many daies Eccles 11.1 Luke 6.27 Mat. 5.44 Psal 35.13 2 Sam. 1.11 12 Acts 7.60 Q. What reward shall bee to such as are fruitlesse in good workes A. As hee that giueth to the poore shall not lacke so hee that hideth his eyes shall haue many a curse Prou. 28.27 And hee shall haue iudgement without mercy that sheweth no mercy Iames 2.13 And therefore say ye wo be vnto the wicked it shall be ill with him for the reward of his hands shall be giuen him Isa 3.11 For I say vnto you that vnto euery one which hath shall be giuen and from him that hath not euen that hee hath shall be taken away from him Luke 19.26 Prou. 11.26 27.21.13.11.31.17.5 Isa 29.1 CHAP. XII God will teach his in their waies Q. WHat is the fourth priuiledge God bestoweth vpon his children A. That hee will instruct and teach them in the way that they should goe and will Guid them with his eye Psal 32.8 The meeke will he guide in iudgement the meeke will hee teach his way what man is hee that feareth the Lord him shall hee teach in the way that hee shall choose Psal 25.9.12 And will be their guide euen vnto death Psal 48.14 Exo 33.14 Gen. 46.4 Nehe. 9.20 Psalm 37.23 Ioh. 10.3 4. Thus the Lord led his people foorth by the right way that they might goe to a City of habitation Psal 107.7 And he brought them to the border of his sanctuarie which his right hand had purchased Psalm 78.54 Deut 1.31 Psalm 78.52 53. Exod. 13.21.22.40.38 Ob. Notwithstanding I am very subiect to misse my way A. Thine eares shall heare a word behind thee saying this is the way walke yee in it when yee turne to the right hand and when yee turne to the left Isa 30.21 I will bring the blind by a way that they know not I will lead them in the paths that they haue not knowne I will makâ— darkenesse light before them and crooked things straight Isa 42.16 For I am the light of the world he that followeth me shall not walke in darkenesse but shall haue the light of life Iohn 8.12.12.46 Q. Is this blessing common to all both good and bad A. The righteousnesse of the perfect shall direct his wayes but the wicked shall fall by his owne wickednesse Prou. 11.5 For they waite for light but loe it is darkenesse for brightnesse but they walke in darknesse They grope for the wall like the blinde and grope as one without eyes they stumble at the noone day as in the twilight they are in solitary places as dead men Isa 59.9 Q. What may these things teach vs A. 1 To pray saying shew mee thy way O Lord teach mee thy paths lead me in thy truth and teach mee for thou art the God of my saluation on thee doe I waite all the day Psal 25.4 Lead me O Lord in thy righteousnesse because of mine enemies make thy waies streight before my face Psal 5 8. And if I haue found grace in thy sight shew mee now thy way that I may know thee For wherein shall it be knowne heere that I haue found grace in thy sight Is it not in that thou goest with mee Exod. 33.13.16 Psal 86.11.27.11.31.3 2 To ponder the pathes of thy feete that thy wayes may be ordered aright Pro. 4.26 3 In all thy wayes acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths Prou. 3.6 Q. When wee haue found God to be his words master in this what is to bee done A. Say I will blesse the Lordw ho hath giuen me counsell my reines also teach mee in the night season Psal 16.7 He restoreth my soule hee leadeth mee in the pathes of righteousnesse for his names sake Psalm 23.3 For a mans goings being of the Lord how can hee then vnderstand his owne waies Pro. 20.24 CHAP. XIII The guard of Angels Ob. NOtwithstanding which way so euer I goe many dangers doe attend me A. Therefore God hath added another priuiledge for the Angels of the Lord shall incampe round about thee to keepe thee in all thy waies they shall beare thee vp in their hands that thou hurt not thy foot against a stone Psal 91.11 For are they not all ministring spirits sent forth to minister for their sakes which shall bee heyres of saluation Hebr. 1.14 Exod. 32. â—3 34.2 Behold therefore the mountaines full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha 2 Kings 6.17.1.19.5 Marke 1.13 Luke 22.43 Gen. 19.10 Acts 27.23.5.19.12.7.10.3 Q. What vse make you hereof A. It admonisheth the wicked to take heed they dispise not one of the least of Gods childreÌ„ because that in heauen their Angels doe alwayes behold the face of their Father which is in heauen Math. 18.10 CHAP. XIV All things worke for good Ob. IF God doe thus guide and guard his children whence is it that so many crosses do betide vs in our way A. From God by whose prouidence wee know that all things worke together for Good to them that loue God to them that are called according to his purpose Rom. 8.28 Q. Will other mens sinnes in seeking my hurt doe mee good A. Yea for how euer they as did the brethren of Ioseph thinke euill against vs yet God meaneth it vnto good as then to bring to passe by sauing much peope aliue Gen. 50.20 Q. Their sinnes turned to the reliefe of their bodies but will my owne sinnes turne to the good of my soule A. Yea For Onessimus departed for a season that he might be receiued for euer not then as a seruant but a brother beloued both in the flesh and in the Lord Phile. 15. Moreouer through the sharpe contention of Paul and Barnabas whereby they departing asunder one from the other many were edified Acts 15.37 CHAP. XV. Comfort against death Ob. IF these be the priuiledges of the Saints whosoeuer then is ioyned to all the liuing there is hope Eccles 9.4 But what man is hee that liueth and shall not see death shall hee deliuer his soule from the hand of the graue Psalm 89.48 Is not the graue the house appoynted for all the liuing Iob 30.23 And will death also worke
for our good Iob 34.14 Eccles 3.18.11.8.9.10 1 Kings 2.10 Acts 13.36 Iohn 8.52 Gen. 3.19 2 Sam. 3.38 Iob 9.25.14.5 Psa 90.10.103.15.144.4.39.12.39.4 5. 1 Chron 29.15 Isa 40.6 Prou 19.20 Numb 23.10 Acts 22 9. A. Man indeed is not Lord ouer the Spirit to retaine the Spirit neither hath he power in the day of death Eccles 8.8 Yet the day of death is better than the day of ones birth Eccles 7.1 For I heard a voyce from heauen saying vnto mee write Blessed are the dead which dye in the Lord from hencefoorth yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours Reuel 14.13 For the wicked haue there câ—aseâ— from their tyranny and there they that laboured valiantly are at rest The prisoners rest together and heare not the voâ—ce of the oppressour and the seruant is free from his master Iob 3.17 Peace shall then come they shall rest in their beds euery one that walketh before him Isa 57.2 2 Though they die yet their works die not but doe follow thâ—m Reuel 14.13 And when the wicked by death are driuen away in his wickednesse yet the righteous hath hope in his death Prou. 14.32 Rom 14.8 Prou 11.7 Q. Why can these dead bones liue Ezech. 37.3 A. Thy dead men shall liue together with my dead body shall they arise Isa 26 19. For since by man came death by man came the resurrection of the dead And as in Adam all dye so in Christ shall all be made aliue 1 Cor 15.21 And therefore we haue hope towards God that the resurrection shall be of the iust and vniust Acts 24.15 Ezech. 37.5 Psalm 90.3 Q. There is no article of faith doth more stagger mee than this of the resurrection and therefore I pray helpe to confirme me in it A. Meruaile not at this for the houre is comming in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voyce and shall come forth Iohn 5.28 Now that the dead are raised vp euen Moses sheweth at the bush when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham the God of Isaack and the God of Iacob for hee is not the God of the dead but of the liuing for all liue vnto him Luke 20.37 Why then should it be thought an incredible thing with you that God should raise the dead Acts 26.8 Q. Make the certainty of the resurrection further to appeare by some examples of such as haue beene raised vp from the dead A. The sonne of the Shunamite being dead was by the Prophet Elisha restored vnto his mother aliue 2 Kings 4.32 A dead man also being let downe into the sepulcher of Elisha hee reuiued and stood vpon his feet 2 Kings 13.21 And when Christ with a loude voyce said vnto Lazarus arise and come forth then he that was dead came forth bound hand and foot with the graue clothes Iohn 11.43 Likewise at the death of Christ the graues were opened and many of the bodies of the Saints which slept arose and came out of the graues after his resurrection and went into the holy Citty and appeared vnto many Math. 27.52 Remember also that Iesus Christ made of the seed of DAVID was raised againe from the dead according to my Gospell 2 Tim. 2.8 Now if Christ be preached that hee rose from the dead how say some among you that there is no resurrection from the dead 1 Cor. 15.12.1.15.4 Acts 10.40 Reueâ— 1.18 Acts 13.30 Gal. 1.1 Acts 26.23 Q. What doth it concerne me thâ—â— Christ is raised from the dead A. Very much for Christ being râ—sen from the dead is become the first fruite of them that sleepe 1 Cor. 15.20 Aâ— this is a faithfull saying that if we be deâ— with him we shall also liue with him 2 Tim 2.11 For God that hath raised vp thâ— Lord will raise vp vs by his owne poweâ— 1 Cor. 6.14 who by him doe beleeue iâ— God that raised him vp from the dead anâ— gaue him glory that your faith and hopâ— might be in God 1 Pet. 1 2â— 2 Corin. â— 14. Rom. 8.11 Ob. But death is called the King 〈◊〉 terrours Iob. 18.14 who then caâ— ouercome it A. I am saith Christ the resurrectioâ— and the life he that beleeueth in me thougâ— hee were dead yet shall hee liue Iohn 11 25. I will ransome them from the poweâ— of the graue I will redeeme them from deatâ— O death I will be thy plague O graue will be thy destruction The sting of death sinne and the strength of sin is the Law â—t thankes be to God which hath giuen â—s victory through our Lord Iesus Christ Cor. 15.55 Psal 68.20 Hosea 13.14 Ob. I may be drowned in the sea and â—euoured of fishes A. The sea shall giue vp the dead which â—ein it and death and hell shall deliuer â—p the dead which were in them Reuel 20. â—3 Ob. Though I should be buried in â—he earth yet amidst so many bodies â—onsumed to dust and so confusedly â—ixed my body may be lost A. This is the Fathers will which hath â—ent mee that of all which he hath giuen me should loose nothing but should raise it vp â—gaine at the last day Ioh. 6.39 Ob. The same bodies for number â—hat dyed may bee raised from the dead but not the same in identitie of bodies A. I know my Redeemer liueth and that hee shall stand the latter day vpon the earth and though after my skinne worâ— destroy this body yet in my flesh shall see God whom I shall see for my selfe aâ— mine eyes shall behold and not anotheâ— though my reines be consumed within mâ— Iob 19.25 Iohn 11.24 Q. How are the dead raised vp and wiâ— what bodies doe they come 1 Cor. 15.35 A. Thou foole that which thou sowest not quickned except it dye and that whiâ—â— thou sowest thou sowest not that body thâ— shall be but bare graine it maybe chaâ—â— wheate or some other grain But God giueâ— it a body as it pleaseth him and to euery seâ— his own body c. So also is the resurrectiâ—â— from the dead It is sowne in corruption is raised in incorruption It is sowne in diâ—honor it is raised in glory it is sowneâ— weaknesse tt is raised in power it sowneâ— naturall body it is raised a spirituall bodâ— 1 Corin. 15.36 Q. You say that all shall be raysed wherein then will stand the difference betweene the Elect and reprobate at that day A. As with Pharaohes chiefe butler and chiefe baker whose heads were both lifted vp but the one vnto his butlership the other vnto the gallowes to be hanged vp Gen. 40.20 So all both good and bad shall come forth They that haue done good vnto the resurrection of life and they that haue done euill vnto the resurrection of damnation Ioh. 5.29 Dan. 12.2.13 Q. What shall become of them who shall be found aliue at the generall resurrection A. Behold I shew you a mystery we shall not all sleepe but we shall all be changed in a moment in the twinkling of
an eye at the last trumpe for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed 1 Cor. 15.51 Q. Now I know that wee shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day Ioh. 11.24 What therefore would you thence inferre A. 1 Concerning them that sleepe that ye sorrow not euen as others without hope For if we beleeue that Iesus died and rose againe euen so them also which sleepe in Iesus wâ— God bring with him 1 Thes 4.13 2 Though I walke in the valley of tâ—â— shaddow of death I will feare no euill foâ— thou art with mee thy â—od and thy staâ— comfort mee Psalm 23.4 Therefoâ—â— also my heart is glad my glory reioycetâ— my flesh also shall rest in hope for thou wiâ—â— not leaue my soule in hell Psal 16.9 3. Let vs therefore which haue the firâ— fruites of the spirit groane within our selueâ— waiting for the adoption to wit the redemâ—tion of our bodies Rom. 8.23 4 Let none of vs liue or die to our selueâ— for whether wee liue wee liue vnto thâ— Lord or whether we dye we dye vnto thâ— Lâ—â—â— For to this purpose Christ dye◠〈…〉 and reuiued that he might be the Lord both of the dead and liuing Rom 14.7 Wherefore labour we that whether present or ahsent wee may be accepted oâ— him 2 Cor. 5.9 Q. When this dust returneth to thâ— earth Eccle. 12.7 who knoweth the spiriâ— of a man that goeth vpward and the spirit oâ— the beast that goeth downeward to the earth Eccles 3.21 A. Wee know that if this earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolued wee haue a building of God an house not made with hands but eternall in the heauens 2 Cor. 5.1 For the spirit shall returne to God that gaue it Eccles 12.7 and shall bee with Christ in Paradise Luke 23.43 And with Lazarus in Abrahams bosome Luke 16.22 Q. How stand you affected with this A. I am in a straite betwixt two hauing a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Pbil. 1.23 For in this wee groane earnestly desiring to be clothed vpon with our house which is from heauen if so be that being clothed wee shall not be found naked For we that are in this tabernacle doe groane being burdened not for that we would be vnclothed but clothed vpon that mortality might be swallowed vp of life 2 Cor. 5.2 Therefore wee are alwaies confident knowing that whilest wee are at home in the body wee are absent from the Lord for wee walke by faith and not by sight wee are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord 2 Corin. 5.6 Math. 17.4 CHAP. XVI Of the last iudgement Ob. WHat we shall haue after death I cannot say but in these daies of my vanity I haue seen there is a iust man that perisheth in his righteousnesse and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickednesse Ecces 7.15 yea the tabernacles of robbers prosper and they that prouoke God are secure for into their hand God bringeth abundantly Iob 12.6 Behold these are the vngodly who prosper in the world they increase in riches verily I haue cleansed my heart in vaine and washed my hands in innocency For all the day long I haue been plagued and chastened euery morning Psal 73.12 13. Ier. 5.27.12 1. Eccl. 8.14 A. God hath appointed a day in which he will iudge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom hee hath ordained whereof he hath giuen assurance vnto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead Acts 17.31 So that we shall all stand before the Iudgement seat of Christ Rom. 14.10 Who shall iudge his people Heb. 10.30 Vnto whom they also must come to giue an account 1. Pet. 4.5 Heb. 9.27 Psal 96.13.98.9 Eccles 11.9 Ob. Where is the promise of his comming For since the Fathers fell a sleepe all things continue as they were from the beginning 2 Pet. 3.4 A. This you are willingly ignorant of that by the Word of GOD the Heauens were of old and the earth standing out of the water and in the water whereby the world that then was being ouerflowed with water perished But the Heauens and the earth which are now by the same word are kept in store reserued vnto fire againsâ— the day of Iudgement and perdition of vngodly men But beloued be not ignorant of this one thing that one day is with the Lord as â— thousand yeares and a thousand yeares a one day The Lord is not slacke concerning his promise as some men couâ— slacknesse but is long suffering to vs ward not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance 2. Pet. 3.5 Q. Tell vs then when these thing shall be and what shall be the signes oâ— the end of the World Mat. 24.3 A. 1 Before the end come many shall come in CHRISTS name saying I am CHRIST and many false Prophets shall arise Mat. 24.5.11 2 The day shall not come except there come a falling away first 2. Thes 2.3 and many be deceiued Mat. 24.5.11 3 That man of sinne shall first be reuealed the sonne of perdition who opposeth and exalteth himselfe aboue all that is called GOD or that is worshipped 2. Thes 2.3.4 4 You shall heare of warres and rumors of warres for Nation shall rise against Nation Kingdome against Kingdome but the end shall not be yet Mat. 24.6.7 5 Because iniquity shall be increased the loue of many shall waxe cold Mat. 24.12 6 This Gospell of the Kingdome shall be preached in all the world for a witnesse vnto all Nations and then shall the end come Mat. 24.14 7 When the fulnesse of the Gentiles is come in all Israell shall be saued as it is written The deliuerer shall come out of Sion and shall turne away vngodlinesse from Iacob Rom. 11.25 8 As it was in the dayes of Noah so shall it be also in the dayes of the Sonne of Man they did eate they dranke they married wiues they were given in marriage vntill the day that Noah went into the Arke and the Flood came and destroyed them all Likewise also as it was in the dayes of Lot they did eate they dranke they bought they sold they planted they builded but the same day that Lot went out of Sodome it rained fire and brimstone from heauen and destroyed them all euen thus shall it bee in the day when the Sonne of man is reuealed Luke 17.26 And when they shall say peace and safety then sudden destruction commeth vpon them as trauell vpon a woman with child 1. Thes 5.3 Or as a thiefe by night 2. Pet. 3.10 Reuel 16.15 Math. 24.38 Now learne a parable of the Fig tree when his branch is yet tender and putteth foorth leaues ye know that summer is nigh Math. 24.32 And when ye see a cloud rise out of the West straite way yee say a shower commeth and
before vs whâ—ch hope we haue as anker of the soule both sure and stedfast and which entreth into that which is within the vaile whether the fore-runner is for vs entred Heb. 6.17 Q. Shew me then some marks wherby I may discerne whether or no my selfe am one of that number which shal be saued A. 1. This is life Eternall that wee know him to be the onely true God and IESVS CHRIST whom he hath sent Ioh. 17.3 2. GOD so loued the world that hee gaue his onely begotten Son that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life Ioâ— 3.16 These things I write vnto you that beleeue in the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye haue eternall life 1. Ioh. 5.13 Ioh. 5.24.3.36 Acts 16.31 3. It shall be that whosoeuer shal call on the name of the Lord shall be saued Act. 2 21. 4. We know that we are passed from death to life because we loue the brethreÌ„ 1. Io. 3.14 5. Whosoeuer shall humble himselfe and become as a little child the same is great in the Kingdome of GOD. Mat. 18.4 Mat 5.3.19.14 6 The Kingdome of Heauen suffereth violence and the violent take it by force Mat. 11.12 and for ioy thereof depart and sell all that they haue to purchase it Mat. 13.44 5.10 7. There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth nor whosoever worketh abomination or that maketh a lie Reu. 21.27 For without are dogs and Sorcerers and Whoremongers and Murtherers Idolaters Reu. 22.15 Neither shall any that worketh abhomination enter into the Kingdome of GOD. Reu. 21.27 The sinners in Zion are afraid fearefulnesse shall surprise the Hypocrites Who among vs shall dwell with the devouring fire who among vs shall dwell with the everlasting burnings He that walketh righteously and speaketh vprightly he that despiseth the gaine of the oppressions that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes and stoppeth his eare from hearing of blood and shutteth his eyes from seeing of euill hee shall dwell on high Isa 33.14 And to him that ordereth his conuersation aright will I shew the salvation of GOD. Psal 5â— 23.15.1.119.155 Math. 5.19 Ier. 17.13 Ob. These things in some measure I doe find to be in my selfe yet my griefe is that I can be no more sencible of this happinesse A. 1. Now wee see through a glasse darkly but then face to face Now wee know in part But then shall wee know even as also wee are knowne 1. Cor. 13.12 2. We are saved by hope but hope that is seene is not hope For what a man seeth why doth hee hope for it But if we hope for that we see not then doe we with patience waite for it Rom. 8.24 As well as IACOB who said I haue waited for thy salvation O LORD Gen. 49.18 1. Pet. 1.9 3. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seene Heb. 11.1 Whom hauing not seene you loue in whom though you see him not yet beleeuing you reioyce with ioy vnspeakable and full of glory receiuing the end of your faith the saluation of your soules 1. Pet. 1.8 4. For this end pray saying Restore vnto mee the ioy of thy salvation and vphold me with thy free spirit Psal 51.12 And then with ioy shall you draw water out of the wels of saluation Isa 12.3 Ob. I am beset with so many enemies that my feare is I shall fall short of Heauen A. We are kept by the power of GOD through faith vnto saluation ready to bereuealed in the last times 1. Pet. 1.5 When Christ shall put downe all rule and all authority and power For he must reigne till he haue put all his enemies vnder his feet the last whereof that shall be destroyed is death For hee hath put all things vnder his feet but when hee saith all things are put vnder him it is manifest that he is excepted which did put all things vnder him 1. Cor. 15.24 Q. Seeing GOD haâ—h prouided for vs such an inheritance what therefore are we to doe A. 1. We are bound to giue thankes alwayes to GOD because GOD hath from the beginning chosen vs to saluation through sanctification of the spirit and the beliefe of the truth Whereunto hee called vs by the Gospell to the obtaining of the glory of the Lord IESVS CHRIST 2. Thes 2.13 1. Pet. 1.3.4 2 Because the Scriptures are callâ—d the Word of the Kingdome Mat. 13.19 Search the Scrâ—ptures for in them ye thinke to haue eternall life Ioh. 5.39 In which because some things are hard to be vnderstood 2. Pet. 3.16 Let euery man be swift to heare Iam. 1.19 For after that in the Wisedome of GOD the World by Wisedome knew not GOD it pleased GOD by the foolishnes of Preaching to saue them that beleeue 1. Cor. 1.21 3. Seeing wee here haue no continuing City but we seeke one to come Heb. 13.14 And the time here being short it remaineth that both they that haue Wiues be as though they had none and they that weepe as though they wept not and they that reioyce as though they reioyced not and they that buy as though they possessed not and they that vse this world as not abusing it for the fashion of this World passeth away 1. Cor. 7.29 And wee according to his Promise looke for new Heauens and a new earth where dwelleth Righteousnesse 2. Pet. 3.13 Ioh. 6.27 4. Make you friends of the Mammon of vnrighteousnesse that when yee faile they may receiue you into everlasting habitations Luk. 16.9 Sell that yee haue and giue Almes and prouide your selues Bags which waxe not old and treasures in Heaven that faile not Luk. 12.33 Matth. 6.19 5. Hauing therefore these promises let vs cleanse our selues from all filthines of flesh and spirit perfecting holinesse in the feare of GOD 2. Cor. 7.1 And let vs feare left a promise being left vs of entring into his rest any of you should seeme to come short of it Heb. 4.1 Wherein we ought to giue the more earnest heed to the things which wee haue heard least at any time wee should let them slip For if the Word spoken by Angels was stedfast and every transgression and disobedience receiued a iust recompence of reward how shall wee escape if wee neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD and was confirmed to vs by them that heard him Heb. 2.1 Wherefore the rather brethren giue diligence to make your calling and election sure for if yee doe these things yee shall never fall For so an entrance shall be ministred to you abundantly into the everlast ng Kingdome of our Lord and Saviour IESVS CHRIST 2. Pet. 1.10 11. Râ—u 22.14 Heb. 12 28. 1. Cor 15 34 Râ—m 13.11 1. Cor. 6.9 Tit. 2.11 Q You tell me of Heaven and if these bee the condâ—tions of attaining it how shall I â—e animated to come there A. If any man will come after me let
against you yet he shall purge them away Psaâ— 65 3â— Moreover every valley shall be exalted and every mountaine and hâ—ll shall be made low and the crooked things shal be made straight and the rough places plaine Isa 40 4. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnall but mighty through GOD to the pulling downe of strong holds casting downe imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it selfe against the knowledge of GOD and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of CHRIST 2 Cor. 10 4. Acts 9 20. Ob. But doe not you as PAVL did of himse fe say of your selfe that what I would doe that I doe not but what I hate that doe I Rom. 7 15 23. Gal. 5.17 A. If I doe that I would not I consent vnto the law that it is good Now then it is no more I that do it but sinne that dwelleth in me Rom. 7 16. And though I walke in the flesh yet doe I not warre after the flesh 2 Cor. 10.3 For the Lord is that spirit and where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty 2 Cor. 3 17 Therefore I thanke GOD through IESVS CHRIST our Lord hat with the mind I serue the Law of GOD though with the flesh the Law of sinne Rom. 7 25. Q. What is required of vs to be done for the furthering of this Grace in our selues A. Dearly beloved I beseech you as strangers and Pilgrims abstaine from fleshly lusts which warre against the Soule 1 Pet. 2 11. 2 Pray saying keepe backe thy Servant from presumptuous sinnes let them not haue dominion over me then shalt thou be vpright and innocent from the great transgression Psal 1â— 13. Ob. Notwithstanding doe what I can this burthen of sinne presseth me very sore A. Come vnto me all ye that labour and are heauy laden and I will giue you rest Mat. 11.28 For I am not come to call the Righteous but sinners to repentance Mat. 9.13 Ob. Behold we come vnto thee for thou art the Lord our God Ier. 3 22. But we haue gone astray like lost sheepe Psal 119 176. And the way of man is not in himselfe neither is it in man that walketh to direct his steps Ier. 10 23. A. I am not sent but to the lost sheepe of the house of Israel Mat. 15 24. Therfore I am come to saue that which was lost Mat. 18 11. and to bring againe that which was driven away Ezek. 34.16 For how thinke you If a man haue an hundred sheepe and one of them be gone astray doth he not leaue the ninety and nine and goeth into the Mountaines and seeke that which was gone astray c. Even so it is not the will of the Father which is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish Mat. 18 12 10 6. Luk. 15 8 c. Ob. The worst as yet remaines for though I see my way before me yet can I not walke therein A. The Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weake Math. 26 41. Yet a bruised reed will he not breake and smoaking flaxe shall he not quench till hee send forth Iudgement vnto victory Mat. 12 20. And hee said vnto me my grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weaknesse 2 Corinth 12 9. Ob. All this while my appetite after 2Grace is not alayed A. I will powre waters vpon him that is thirsty and flouds vpon the dry ground Isa 44 3 For as the Scriptures haue said out of his belly shall flow Rivers of liuing water which bee spake of the spirit which they that beleeue on him should receiue Ioh. 7 38 39. I am also the bread of life he that coÌ„meth vnto me shal neuer hunger and he that beleeueth on me shall never thirst Iohn 6 35 4 13. Luke 1 53. Ob. It is not meet to take the Childrens bread and to cast it vnto Dogges Mat. 15 26. A. True yet the Dogs eate of the crums which fall from the Masters table Mat. 15 27. And therefore if any man thirst let him come vnto CHRIST and drinke Ioh. 7 37. And hee that hath no money come yea buy and eate yea come buy wine and milke without money and without price Wherefore doe you spend money on that which is not bread And your labour for that which satisfieth not Hearken diligently vnto me and eate that which is good and let your soule delight it selfe in fatnesse Incline your eare come vnto him heare and your soule shall liue Isa 55 1. And the spirit and the bride say come and let him that is a thirst come and whosoever will let him take of the Waters of life freely Revel 22 17. Ioh. 4 10. Q. But in comming shall I not bee rejected A. All that the Father giveth mee shall come to mee and him that commeth to me I will in no wise cast off Ioh. 6.37 Ob. Sir giue mee then this water that I thirst not Ioh. 4.15 For notwithstanding all you haue said It is the very breaking of my heart to thinke that I can serue GOD no better A. The Sacrifices of GOD are a broken Spirit a broken and a contrite heart God will not despise Psal 51 17. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth Eternitie whose name is Holy I dwell in the high and holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to reviue the spirit of the humble and to reviue the heart of the contrite ones Isa 57.15 To open the blind eyes to bring the Prisoners from the prison and them that sit in darknesse out of the prison house Isa 42.7 That they might bee called the trees of Righteousnesse the planting of the LORD that hee might be glorified Isa 6â— 2 3. Therefore turne yee to the strong holds ye prisoners of hope for even to day doe I declare that I will render double vnto thee Zach. 9 12. Isa 49.8.61 1. Psal 34.18.147 3. Ob. These are sweet promises I confesse but yet I want comfort still A. The Lord God hath given CHRIST the tongue of the Learned that hee should know how to speake a word in season to him that is wearie Isa 50 4 Blessed therefore are you that mourne for you shall bee comforted Math. 5.4 Ob. Yet for all this the distresses of my soule are such as bee intollerable to beare and how to bee deliuered I know not A. Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voyce of his servant that walketh in darknesse and hath no light let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay vpon his GOD Isa 50.10 and seeke vnto him that maketh the seaven Starres and Orion and turneth the shadow of Death into the morning and maketh the day darke with night that calleth for the waters of the Sea and powreth them â—â—t vpon the face of the earth the LORD â—his name Amos 5 8. CHAP. XXVI Of the Temptations of the Devill Ob. THough I should preuaile
the Word of the Lord tryed him Psal 105 17. And a sword shall pierce through thine owne soule also that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed Luk. 2.35 And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy GOD led thee these 40. yeares in the Wildernesse to proue thee and to know what was in thine heart whether thou wouldest keepe his Commandements or no Deut 8 2. Gen. 22 1. Gal. 6 17. Reu. 2 10. 1. Pet. 1 7. Iob 23 10. 5 To make vs conformable vnto CHRIST That wee may know him and the fellowship of his sufferings being made conformable to his Death Phil. 3 10. For wee all are weake in him 2. Cor. 13.4 Filling vp that which is behind of the afflictions of CHRIST in our flesh for his bodies sake which is the Church Col. 1.24 Knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your Brethren that are in the World 1. Pet. 5.9 6 That wee may escape the Iudgements of the wicked When wee are iudged wee are chastened of the Lord that wee should not bee condemned with the World 1. Cor. 11 32. IOSEPH was sent before into Egypt to preserue life Gen. 45 5 7 IOSIA was gathered to his Fathers and to his Graue in peace that hee might not see all the evill that was to â—â—me 2. Chro. 34.28 Blessed â—herefore 〈◊〉 the Man whom GOD chasteneth and â—eacheth him out of his Law that he may giue him rest from the dayes of adversitie vntill the pit bee digged for the Wicked Psal 94 12. Exod. 23.28 c. 7 To further vs vnto Saluation For ought not CHRIST to suffer these things and to enter into his Glory Luk. 24.26 And if wee suffer wee shall also raigne with him 2. Tim. 2 12. For our light Affliction which is but for a moment worketh for vs a farre more exceeding and Eternall weight of Glorie 2. Cor. 4 17. Though now for a season if need bee wee are in heavinesse through manifold Temptations that the tryall of our Faith beeing much more precious then Gold that perisheth though it bee tryed with fire might be found vnto praise and honourâ— and glorie at the appearing of IESVS CHRIST 1. Pet. 1.6 Confirme therefore the soules of the Disciples and exhort them to continue in the Faith and that wee must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdome of GOD Acts 14.22 Phil. 2 8. Luk. 23.40 8 That we may the better esteeme of Prosperity My wrath saith GOD shalâ— not bee powred out vpon Ierusalem by the hand of SHISHAKE Neverthelesse they shall be his servants that they may know my service and the service of the Kingdomes of the Countries 2. Chro. 12.7 8. 9 That wee may comfort others For whether wee be afflicted it is for your consolation which is effectuall in the induring of the same sufferings which wee also suffer or whether we bee comforted it is for your consolation and salvation 2. Cor. 1.6 Heb. 4.15 10 For examples sake to the wicked Because saith GOD they haue prophaned my Name among the Heathen whether they went I will sanctifie my great name which was prophaned among the Heathen which they haue prophaned in the middest â—f them and the Heathen shall know that I â—im the LORD saith the Lord God when I shall bee sanctified in them before their eyes Ezek. 36.22 For I will set my Glory among the Heathen and all the heathen shall see my Iudgement that I haue executed and my hand that I haue layd vpon them c. And the Heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into Captivitie for their Iniquitie because they trespassed against me and therefore hid I my face from them and gaue them into the hand of their Enemies Ezek. 39.21.23 Q I know now that GODS Iudgements are right and that hee in faithfulnesse doth afflict vs Psal 119.75 But what moderation doth hee obserue in the same A. Hee will not lay vpon man more than is right that hee should enter into iudgement with GOD Iob 34.23 Neither hath hee dealt with vs after our sinnes nor rewarded vs according to our Iniquities Psal 103 10. But exacteth of vs lesse than our iniquities deserue Iob 11 6. Ob. Though our Afflictions bee not according to our Sinnes yet may they presse vs beyond our strength Iob 6.12 A. Through the Lords mercies wee shall not bee consumed because his compassions faile not Lam. 3 22. Wee are troubled indeed on every side but not in distresse wee are perplexed but not in dispaire persecuted but not forsaken cast downe but not destroyed 2. Cor. 4 8. As vnknowne and yet well knowne as dying and behold wee liue as chastened but not killed as sorrowing and yet alwayes reioycing as poore and yet making many rich as having nothing and yet possessing all things 2. Cor. 6.9 And though wee fall wee shall not vtterly bee cast downe for the LORD vpholdeth vs with his hand Psal 37 24. Neither will hee execute the fiercenesse of his anger hee will not returne to destroy Ephraim for hee is GOD and not Man the holy One of Israel in the middest of them Hos 11 9. Whereby vnto the vpright there ariseth light in darknesse Psal 112.4 And when I said my foot slippeth his Mercy held mee vp In the multitude of my thoughts within mee his comforts delight my Soule Psal 94 18. No man putteth a peece of new cloath vnto an old Garment for that which is put in to fill it vp taketh from the garment and the rent is made worse neither doe men put new Wine into old bottles else the bottles breake and the Wine runneth out and the bottles perish but they put new wine into new bottles and so both are preserved Math. 9 16. And will GOD plead against thee with his power No hee would put strength in thee Iob 23 6. and strengthen thee with strength in thy soule Psal 138.3 55.22 34.20 Isa 27 8 28 27 28 29 43 2 3. Exod. 3 2. Numb 11 11. c. Ionah 1 17. Amos 9 8. Ier. 10 24. Ob. Notwithstanding this moderation if God should bee alwayes wroth the Spirit should faile before â—im and the soules which hee hath made Isa 57.16 A. The Lord will not cast off for ever but though hee cause griefe yet will hee haue compassion according to the multitude of his mercies Lam. 3.31 And though the Afflictions of the righteous bee many yet the Lord will deliuer them out of them all Psal 34.19 The Lord vpholdeth all that fall and raiseth vp all those that are bowed downe Psal 145.14 Wherby they shal forget their misery and remember it as waters that passe away Iob. 11.16 And it shall come to passe that as he hath watched over them to plucke vp and to breake downe to destroy and to afflict so will hee watch over them to build and to plant saith the Lord. Ier. 31.28 who deliuereth vs from so great a death ond doth deliuer vs. In whom we trust that hee will yet
Ioh. 14.16 Whereby our hope of you is stedfast knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings so shall you be also of the Consolation 2 Cor. 1 7. And therefore thinke it not strange concerning the fierie tryall which is to try you as if some strange thing hapned vnto you 1 Pet. 4.12 But rather glory in tribulation Rom. 5 3. As well as others who were stoned who were sawne asunder who were tempted who were slaine with the Sword and otherwise tortured and yet not accepting deliuerance that they might obtaine a better resurrection Heb. 11 35 37. So that we our selues gloried in the Churches of GOD for the faith and patience of such in all their persecutions and tribulations which they endured 2 Thes 1 4. Mâ—th 10 28. Luk. 17 33. Dan. 3.16 Ob. If my torments should be as long as violent I shall shrinke vnder them A. The rod of the wicked shall not rest vpon the lot of the Righteous least the righteous put forth his hand vnto wickednesse â— Ps l 125,3 For except those dayes should be shortned there should no flesh be saved but for the elects sake those dayes shall be shortned Math. 24 22. For yet a very little while and the indignation shall cease and mine anger in theyr destruction Isa 10 25. 2 Tim. 3.9 2 4.17 Q. When deliverance comes shall the same last and continue A. For the oppression of the poore for the sighing of the needie now will I arise saith the Lord I will set him in safetie from him that puffeth at him Psal 12.5 And then there shall bee no more a pricking briar vnto the house of Israel nor any grieving thorne of all that are round about them that despised them and they shall know that I am the Lord Ezek. 28 24. Therefore heare now this thou afflicted and drunken but not with the Wine thus saith thy Lord the LORD and thy GOD that pleadeth the cause of his people behold I will take out of thine hand the Cup of trembling even the Cup of the Dregs of my fâ—ry thou shalt no more drinke it againe but I will put it into the hands of them that afflict thee which haue said to thy soule bow downe that we may goe over and thou hast layd thy body as the ground and as the street to them that went over Isa 51 21 c. Q. What may these comfortable promises concerning the persecution of the Saints teach A. To indure hardnesse as a good Souldier of IESVS CHRIST 2 Tim. 2 3. And be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospell according to the power of GOD 2. Tim. 1 8. And in nothing be terrified by your Adversaries which is to them an evident token of perdition but to you of Salvation and that of GOD Phil. 1 28. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompence Tribulation to them that trouble you and to you who are troubled rest with vs when the Lord Iesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels 2 Thes 1 6. Wherefore reioyce in as much as you are made partakers of Christs sufferings that when his glory shall be revealed you may be glad also with exceeding ioy 1. Peâ— 4.13 For when you are tryed you shall receiue the Crowne of life which the Lord hath promised to them that loue him Iam. 1 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things Neverthelesse I am not shamed for I know whom I haue beleeved and I am perswaded that he is able to keepe that which I haue committed vnto him against that day 2. Tim. 1.12 Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of GOD commit the keeping of their soules to him in well doing as vnto a faithfull creator 1 Pet. 4.19 Reu. 20.6 7.13 Luk. 12 6. 1 Sam. 23.16.1.30.6 Act 14 22. 2 Pray saying O God the proud are risen against vs and the assembly of wicked men haue sought after our soule and haue not set thee before them Psal 86 14 Haue a respect vnto the couenant for the darke places of the earth are full of the habitation of cruelty Psal 74 20. Heare vs O Lord our GOD lighten our eyes least wee sleepe the sleepe of death Psal 13 3. Arise O LORD lift vp thy selfe because of the rage of our Enemies awake for vs to the iudgement thou hast commanded â— Psal 7 6. Psal 17 7 17 12 7 1 119 122 140 4 25 19. Lam. 3 47 c. Attend vnto our cry for wee are brought very low deliver vs from our persecutors for they are stronger than wee Psal 142 6 Consider our enemies for they are many Psal 25.19 Giue vs helpe in trouble for vaine is the helpe of man Psal 108 12 8 6 56 1. Psal 74 20. 2 Chron. 20 6 12. Act â—4 26. Our enemiâ—â— haue now compassed vs in our steps they haue set their eyes bowing downe to the earth Psal 17 1â— They haue hid a snare for vs and cords they haue spread a net by the way side they haue set grinnes for vs Psal 140 5. Rid and deliver vs from the hands of strange children whose mouthes speake vanity and their right hand is a right hand of falshood Psal 144 11 83 5 74 20. Wee haue done Iudgement and Iustice leaue vs not to our oppressors Psal 119.121 For they haue digged a Pit for vs which is not after thy Law Psalm 119 85 Let integritie and vprightnesse preserue vs for wee waite on thee Psal 25 21. O let the wickednesse of the wicked come to an end but establish the iust 〈◊〉 the righteous GOD tryeth the heart â—â—d the reynes Psal 7.9 Shall the 〈◊〉 one of iniquity haue fellowship with thee â—uch frameth mischiefe by a Law Psal â—4 20. Let none that waite on thee â—â—t ashamed but let them bee ashamed â—hich transgresse without cause Psal 5 3 119 6.35 23.43 1 7 3. Lam. â— 59. Thy Citie and thy people are called by â—y name Daâ— 9 19. Wee are thine â—ou never barest rule over them they â—re not called by thy name Isa 63 19. â—t now O Lord thou art our Father wee â—t the clay and thou art our Potter and we â—e all the worke of thine hand Bee not â— o th very sore O Lord neither rememâ—â—r iniquities for ever Behold see wee â—eseech thee we are all thy people Isa â—4 8. Why doth thine anger smoke aâ—ainst the Sheepe of thy pasture Rememâ—er thy Congregation which thou hast purâ—hased of old the rod of thine inheritance which thou hast redeemed this is mount Zion wherein thou hast dwelt Psal 74.1 O deliuer not the soule of thy turtle do vâ— vnto the multitude of the wicked forgeâ— not the congregation of the poore for ever Haue respect vnto the covenant Psal 74 19. Abba father all things are possible tâ— to thee Mark 14.36 2. Thes 3.2 Ier. 14.9 21. Dan. 9.17 Psal 79.10.13 Deut. 9.26 Psal 86.16 Ioel 2.17 Psal 74.20
will I sing praises vnto thy name for ever Psal 61 7. And the King also shall ioy in thy strength O LORD and in thy salvation how greatly shall he reioyce Psal 21.1 80 17. 1 King 8 25. 3 Honour the King 1 Pet. 2 17. Aâ— did ARAVNAN who when hee saw the King comming towards him he went out and bowed himselfe before the King on his face on the ground 2 Sam. 24.20 And be not hasty to goe out of his sight Eccl. 8 3. 4 Let them bee had in double honour 1 Tim. 5.17 For for this cause pay you tribute also for they are GODS Ministers attending continually vpon this very thing Render therefore to all their dues tribute to whom tribute is due custome to whom Custome Roâ— 13.6 Even vnto CAESAR the things that are CAESARS Math. 22.21 5 Submit your selues vnto every ordinance of man for the Lords sake 1 Pet. 2 13. And let every Soule bee Subiect vnto the higher powers for there is no power but of GOD the powers that be are ordained of God Whosoever therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of GOD and they that resist shall receiue to themselues damnation For Rulers are not a terrour to good workes but to the evill Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power Doe that which is good and â—hou shalt haue praise of the same for â—ee is the Minister of GOD to thee for good Rom. 13.1 For in the light of the Kings Countenance is life and his savour is as a Cloud of the latter raine Prou. 16 15. And as the dew vpon the grasse but his wrath is as the roaring of the Lyon Prou. 19 12. And as the Messenger of death hee that is wise will pacifie it Prou. 16 14 20 2 Math. 22.21 I counsell thee therefore to keepe the Kings commandement but yet according to the oath of GOD. And stand not in an evill thing for he doth whatsoever pleaseth him Where the word of a King is there is power and who may say vnto him what doest thou Eccl. 8 2. Numb 27 20. Ob. How comes it to passe that so many thousands in a Kingdome should subiect themselues vnto the government of one man A. As in Iudah the hand of GOD was to giue them one heart to doe the commandement of the King and of the Princes 2 Chron. 30.12 So doth hee still bow the hearts of all Men Even as the heart of one man vnto him 2 Sam. 19.14 Whereby all that hee commandeth they will doe whether soever he sendeth them they wil goe according as they hearkened vnto MOSES so will they hearken vnto him Iosh 1 16.4 14. Q But is this the case of every King to haue all his people in subiection A. No for the Children of Belial say of theyr King how shall this man saue vs And doe despise him and will bring him no presents 1 Sam. 10.27 And doe despise dominion and speake evill of dignities Iud. 8. Saying Wee will not haue this man rule ouer vs Luk. 19 14. As Sheba the Sonne of Bichri who blew a trumpet and said we haue no part in Dauid neither haue wee inheritance in the Sonne of Iesse 2 Sam. 20.1 Num. 12.1 Q. What is the danger of such Rebels against their Soueraigne A. Whosoever will not doe the Law of the King let iudgment hee executed speedily vpon him whether it be vnto death 〈◊〉 to banishment or to confiscation of â—oods or to Imprisonment Ezra 7 26 And if the sonnes of ZERVIAH bee too â—â—ard for him the Lord shall reward the doer of evill according to his wickednesse 2 Sam. 3 39. Thus MIRIAM for speaking against MOSES became leprous as white as snow Numb 12.10 And the Earth swallowed vp DATHAN and ABIRAM with â—ll that they had Numb 16.32 For they doe not reiect man but GOD that he should not raigne over them 1. Sam. 8.7 2. Sam. 16.5 Numb 16.49 Iudg. 9.53.9.16.9.10.11 Q. What may this teach vs A. To pray saying The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth my hand against the LORDS anointed 1. Sam. 26.11 2 Curse not the King no not in thy thoughts and curse not the rich in thy bed chamber for a bird of the ayre shall carry thy voyce and that which hath wings shall tell the matter Eccles 10.20 Ob. But shall euen he that hateth right gouerne Iob 34.17 For I saw vnder the Sunne the place of Iudgement that wickednesse was there and the place of righteousnesse that iniquitie was there Eccles 3.16 Her Rulers doe love with shame give yee Hosea 4.18 Shall the throne of iniquitie haue fellowship with thee which frameth mischiefe by a Law Psalm 94.20.82.5 Eccles 10.5 Zephan 3.3 Micha 3.9.1 Sam. 8.11 Isa 3.12.10 1. Habac. 1.2.1.13 Nehem. 5.15 2. Kings 24.4 Amos. 6.12.5.7 Isa 29.21 Micha 3.2 A. EPHRAIM is oppressed and broken in iudgement because hee willingly walked after the commandement Hos 5.11 They make the King glad with their wickednesse and the Princes with their lyes Hos 7.3 Notwithstanding to subuert a man in his cause the LORD approveth not Lam. 3.36 Wherefore if thou seest the oppression 〈◊〉 the poore and violent perverting of â—â—dgement and Iustice in a Province â—â—rvell not at the matter for hee that 〈◊〉 higher than the highest regardeth and â—â—re be higher than they Eccles 5.8 〈◊〉 GOD standeth in the congregation of 〈◊〉 mighty hee iudgeth among the Gods Psalm 82.1 Hee doth execute the â—â—dgement of the Fatherlesse and Widâ—â— Deut. 10 18. And shall iudge 〈◊〉 Righteous and the Wicked for there 〈◊〉 time there for every purpose and 〈◊〉 every worke Eccles 3 17. when â—â—e LORD will enter into Iudgeâ—â—â—nt with the ancients of his peoâ—â— and the Princes thereof Isa 3 4. And will powre out his wrath â—pon them like Water Hosea 5 10. And breake them with a rodde of Iâ—â—â— and dash them in peeces like a â—â—tters vessell Psalm 2 9. Deuteron â—7 19. Ecclesiast 4 13. Hosea 5 5. â— Sam. 28 17. 2 Chron. â—5 27. Micha 3 12. Amos 5 12. Dan. 4 25 33. 1 King 20 42. Psal 82 6. Isa 3 15. Q. If this bee the condition of Rulers and of men in Authoritie in the commission of Iniustice what vse are they to make of it A. 1 Bee wise now therefore O yee Kings be instructed yee Iudges of the earth Serue the LORD with feare and reioyce with trembling Kisse the Sonne least hee be angry and yee perish from the way when his wrath is kindled but a little blessed are all they that put their trust in him Psalm 2 10.29 1. Amos 5 24. Prou. 20 28. 1 Kings 2 46. 2 Rob not the Poore because hee is poore neither oppresse the Afflicted in the gate for the LORD will pleade their cause and spoyle the soule of them that spoyled them Prou. 22 22. Deliver them that are drawne vnto death and those that are ready to bee slaine Prou. 24 11 12. Ob. If notwithstanding what is said such should continue to
there is neither male nor female for yee are all one in CHRIST IESVS Gal. 3 28. 1 Tim. 2.15.1.2.7 Rom. 15.15 Math. 22.2.23.37 Acts. 14.2 Ioh. 1 11. Isa 65 2. Rom. 10.21 Ob. What aduantage then hath the Iew Or what profit is there of Circumcision A. Much every way chiefly because that vnto them were committed the Oracles of God Rom. 3 2. Ob. We see not onely the Nation of the Iewes but many others of the Gentiles also to be without the benefit of the Gospell A. This is because of their vnbeliefe Rom. 11.20 For they will not receiue CHRIST Ioh. 1.11 But are disobedient and a gain-saying people Rom. 10.21 For as I liue saith the Lord God I haue no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turne from his way and liue Ezâ—k 33 11. And I would haue all men to bee saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth 1 Tim. 2 4. Ioh. 1 5. Q. Whereunto may the generality of the promises be of vse A. Let not the Sonne of the stranger that hath ioyned himselfe to the LORD speake saying The Lord hath vtterly separated me from his people neither let the Eunuch say behold I am a drie tree For thus saith the LORD to the Euâ—â—ches that kâ—epe my Sabbaths and choose the things that please mee and take hold of my Covenant even vnto them will I giue in mine House and within my Walles a place and a Name better than of Sons and of Daughters I will g ue them an everlasting Name that shall not bee cut off Isa 62 2. Sing O barren thou that didst not beare breake forth into singing and crie aloud thou that didst not travaile wâ—th Child for moe are the Children of the Desolate than the Children of the married wife saith the LORD Enlarge the place of thy Tent and let them stretch foorth the Curtaines of thine habitations spare not lengthen thy Cords and strengthen thy Stakes for thou shalt breake foorth on the right hand and on the left and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles and make the desolate Cities to bee inhabited Isay 54 1. 1 Corinth 7 21 22. Iâ—a 45 22. Math. 22 2. Tit. 2 11. Heb. 1â— 13 Ob. Now of a truth I perceiue that GOD is no accepter of persons but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh Righteousnesse shall be accepted with with him Acts 10 34. But will it not be very long betwixt the promise and the time of theyr accomplishment A. Hee which testifieth these things saith surely I come quickly Revel 22.20 And my reward is with me to giue every man acording as his worke shall bee Reu. 22 12. Ob. Long haue I waited and yet haue not obtained A. Beloved be not ignorant of this one thing that one day is with the LORD as a thousand yeeres and a thousand yeeres as one day The LORD is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slacknesse 2. Pet. 3.8 And he that beleeueth shall not make hast Isa 28.16 For the vision is yet for an appointed time but at the end it shall speake and not lye though it tarry wait for it because it will surely come it will not tary Hab. 2.3 For so ABRAHAM after hee had patiently endured he obtayned the promise Heb. 6.15 Amen even so come LORD IESVS Reu. 22.20 Q. But may not GOD alter his mind A. The Counsell of the LORD standeth for ever the thoughts of his heart vnto all generations Psal 33.11 With him is no variablenesse nor shadow by turning Iames 1.17 Concerning his testimonies I haue knowne them of old that he hath founded them for euer Psal 119.152 The words which hee hath commanded to a thousand generations Which couenant hee made with ABRAHAM and his oath vnto ISAAC and confirmed the same vnto IACOB for a law and vnto ISRAEL for an euerlasting Covenant Psal 105.8 For thâ—â— saith the Lord If yee can breake my Covenant of the day and my covenant of the night and that there shall not be day and nâ—ght in their seasons then may also my Covenant bee broken Ier. 33.20 I haue sworne by my selfe the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousnesse and shall not returne Isa 45.23.46 10. 2 Cor. 1 18 Ierem. 4 28. Hos 13 14. Numb 23 20. 1 Sam. 12.22 Haggai 2 6. Num. 18 19. Psal 22 6.105 8. 117 2.119 90. 93 5. Heb. 6 17. Ob. I haue seene an end of all perfection Psal 119 96. A. But his Commandement is exceeding large Psalm 119 96. The strength of ISRAEL will not lye nor repent 1 Sam. 15 29. When your Father and Mother forsake you then the LORD will take you vp Psal 27 10. For GOD is not as Man that hee should lye or the Sonne of man that hee should repent Num. 23 19. Lift vp your eyes to the Heavens and looke vpon the Earth beneath for the heavens shall vanish away like smoake and the earth shall waxe old like a garment and they that dwell therein shall dye in like manner but my Salvation shall bee for ever and my Righteousnesse shall not be abolished Isa 51 6.40 8. 2 Sam. 7 24. Math. 24.35 Ob. Why hath not GOD cast away his ancient people the Iewes A. GOD forbid For I also am an Israelite of the seed of ABRAHAM of the Tribe of BENIAMIN God hath not cast away his people which hee foreknew c. But even at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of Grace Rom. 11 1 5 1. For what if some did not beleeue Shall their vnbeliefe make the faith of GOD without effect Rom 3.3 And haue they stumbled that they should fall â—od forbid But rather through their fall â—alvation is come to the Gentiles for to â—ovoke them to iealousie Now if the â—ll of them bee the riches of the World â—nd the diminishing of them the riches of â—he Gentiles how much more their fulâ—esse Rom. 11 11. For afterwards â—hall the Children of ISRAEL returne â—nd seeke the LORD their GOD and DAVID theyr King and shall feare the Lord and his goodnesse in the latter dayes Hos 3 5. 2 Cor. 3 15. Isa 11 12 19 24 25 50 1. Zach. 2 12. Rom. 11 20 26 28. verses Ob. Though GOD should neuer alter with vs yet shall wee by our sinnes breake Couenant with him Isa 63 10. Exod. 32 33. A. If you breake my Statutes and keepe not my Commandements then will I visite your transgression with the rod and your iniquities with stripes neverthelesse my loving kindnesse I will not vtterly take from you nor suffer my faithfulnesse to faile My Couenant will I not breake nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once haue I sworne by my Holinesse that I will not lie vnto David His seed shall endure for ever and his Throne as the Sunne before mee It shall bee established for ever as the Moone and as a faithfull witnesse in Heaven Psalm 89 30. 2 Sam.
vntill some common Iudgement come vpon our whole Land I shall doe well enough A. If thou continue thus presumptuously to sinne the LORD shall separate thee vnto evill out of all the Tribes of ISRAEL according to all the Curses of this Covenant that are written in this booke of the Law Dâ—uteronomie 29 21. As well as he did ACHAN who for his sinne was by all ISRAEL stoned with stones and his goods with all that hee had burned with fire Ioshua 7 25. Woe therefore bee vnto thee wilt thou not bee made cleane When shall it once bee Ieremiah 13.27 CHAP. LIIII Of the Wicked Converted Q. IF our sinne guiltinesse deserue such inevitable Iudgements goe thou neere and heare all that the LORD our GOD shall say and speake thou vnto vs all that the LORD our GOD shall speake vnto thee and wee will heare it and doe it Deuteron 5 27. A. The LORD hath heard the voyce of your words and said vnto mee I haue heard the voyce of the words of this people which they haue spoken vnto thee they haue well said all that they haue spoken O that there were such an heart in them that they would feare mee and keepe my Commandements alwayes that it might bee well with them and with their Children for ever Deuter. 5.28 But yee dissembled in your hearts when yee sent me vnto the LORD your God saying Pray for vs vnto the LORD our GOD and according to all that the LORD our GOD shall say so declare vnto vs and wee will doe it And now I haue this day declared it vnto you but yee doe not obey the voyce of the LORD your GOD nor any thing for the which hee hath sent me vnto you Now therefore know certainly that yee shall dye by the Sword by the Famine and by the Pestilence in the place whether yee desire to goe and to soiourne Ier. 42 20. For yee cannot serue the LORD for hee is an holy GOD he is a iealous God he will not forgâ—â—e your transgressions and sinnes Ioshua 24.19 How long then halt yee betweene two opinions If the LORD bee GOD follow him but if BAAL then follow him 1 King 18.21 And hearken to mee yee men of ENGLAND that GOD also may hearken vnto you Iudg. 9.7 Giue glorie to the Lord your GOD before hee cause darknesse and before your feet stumble vpon the darke Mountaines while yee looke for light hee turne it into the shadow of death and make it grosse darknesse But if yee will not heare it my Soule shall weepe in secret places for your Pride and mine eyes shall weepe sore and runne downe with teares because the LORDS Flocke is carried away captiue Ierem. 13 16. Q. Wee haue indeed besides all other Sinnes dissembled with the LORD but now the Lord GOD of Gods the Lord GOD of Gods hee knoweth Iosh 22 22. that him will wee serue and his voyce will wee obey Iosh 24.24 The LORD bee a true and faithfull witnesse betweene vs if we doe not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy GOD shall send thee to vs. Whether it bee good or whether it bee evill wee will obey the voyce of the LORD our GOD to whom wee send thee that it may bee well with vs when wee obey the voyce of the Lord our GOD Ierem. 42 5. Iosh 24 21 24. A. Then gird your loynes and lament yee Priests howle yee Ministers of the Altar come lye all night in Sackcloath yee Ministers of my GOD c. Sanctifie yee a Fast call a solemne Assembly gather the Elders and all the inhabitants of the Land into the house of the LORD your GOD and cry vnto the LORD Ioel 1 13. Ier. 4.14 Zeph. 2 1. Ioel 2 12 â—5 Iona 3 8. Ioel 1 13. Psal 46 8. Lam. 2 14. Ioel 2 17. Iam. 4 8. Saying Wee acknowledge our wickednesse and the iniquities of our Fathers for wee haue sinned against thee Ierem. 14 20. Wee haue sinned and haue committed iniquitie and haue done wickedly and haue rebelled even by departing from thy precepts and from thy Iudgements Neither haue wee hearkened vnto thy servants the Prophets which spake in thy Name to our Kings our Princes and our Fathers and to all the people of the Land O LORD righteousnesse belongeth vnto thee but vnto vs confusion of faces as at this day because of our trespasse that wee haue trespassed against thee Dan. 9 5. O our GOD wee are ashamed and blush to lift vp our face to thee our GOD for our iniquities are increased over our head and our trespasse is growne vp vnto the Heavens And now O our GOD what shall wee say after this For wee haue forsaken thy Commandements Ezra 9 6 10. O LORD wee beseech thee let now thine eare bee attentiue to the Prayer of thy servants who desire to feare thy Name and doe confesse our sinnes which we haue sinned against thee both we and our fathers house haue sinned Nehe. 1.11.16 And haue gone astray like lost sheepe therefore seeke thy seruants for we will not forget thy Commandements Psalm 119.176 Turne vs againe O GOD of hosts and cause thy face to shine and we shall be saued Psal 80.7 Doe thou incline our heart vnto thee to walke in thy wayes and to keepe thy Commandements and thy statutes and thy Iudgements which thou commandedst our Fathers 1. King 8.58 That which we see not teach thou vs if wee haue done iniquitie wee will doe no more Iob. 34 32 13 23. Psalme 80.18 Psalme 143.8 2 Doe you take hold of his strength that you may make peace with him and you shall make peace with him Isa 27.5 And thereby good shall come vnto thee Iob. 22.21 And because no man commeth vnto the Father but by CHRIST Iohn 14.6 Nor vnto CHRIST except the Father draw him Iohn 6 44 Therefore pray saying Draw me we will run after thee Can. 1 4 3 Wash yee make you cleane put away the evill of your doings from before mine eyes cease to doe evill learne to doe well seeke Iudgement releeue the oppressed iudge the Fatherlesse plead for the Widdow Come now and let vs reason together saith the LORD though your sinnes bee as scarlet they shall bee as white as snow though they bee red like Crimson they shall bee as Wooll Isa 1.16 Yet the LORD will wait that he may haue mercy vpon you and therefore will he bee exalted that he may haue compassion vpon you for the LORD is the GOD of Iudgement Isa 30 18. Hosea 13.9 Ezekiel 33 11. Zach. 1.3.8.16 Ier. 18 11. Mal. 3.7 Psal 4 4. Eccl. 12.23 1 King 8 61. Isa 66 1.2 4 Beeing thus conuerted you should enter into a Covenant with the LORD your GOD and into his oath which the LORD your GOD shall make with you so shall he establish you this day for a people vnto himselfe and be vnto you a God as he hath said vnto you and as hee hath swore vnto your Fathers Deut. 29 12. Nehemiah 9.38 2 Chronicles 15.12.23.3 2 Chronicl 29.10.34.31 Ezra 10.3 Q. Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken Isa 39 8 Wee doe therefore enter into a Covenant that we will be the Lords people 2 Chron. 23.16 And wee our Wiues our Sonnes and our Daughters even every one of vs having knowledge and vnderstanding doe heere enter into a Curse and into an Oath to walke in GODS Law which was given by MOSES the Servant of GOD and to obserue and doe all the Commandements of the LORD our GOD and his Iudgements and his Statutes Neh. 10.28 The Lord our God will wee serue and his voice will wee obey Iosh 24.24 Nehem. 9.38 A. Then haue you delivered your selues out of the hand of the Lord Iosh 23 31. And as you haue avouched the LORD this day to bee your GOD and to walke in his wayes and to keepe his Statutes and Commandements and his iudgments and to hearken vnto his voyce so the LORD hath avouched you this day to bee his peculiar people as he hath promised you and that you should keepe all his Commandements and to make you high aboue all Nations which he hath made in praise and in name and in honour and that yee may be an holy people vnto the LORD your GOD as hee hath spoken Deuter. 26.17 And these very stones shall bee a witnesse vnto you for they haue heard all the words of the LORD which hee hath spoken vnto you they shall bee a witnesse vnto you least yee deny your GOD Iâ—sh 24.27 For this cause wee also will not cease to pray for you and to desire that yee may bee filled with the knowledge of his will in all Wisedome and spirituall vnderstanding that yee may walke worthy of the LORD vnto all pleasing beeing fruitfull vnto every good worke and increasing in the knowledge of God Col. 1 9. Now the GOD of peace that brought againe from the dead our LORD IESVS that great Shepheard of the Sheepe through the bloud of the everlasting Covenant make you perfect in every good worke to doe his will working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight through IESVS CHRIST Heb. 13.20 And our LORD IESVS CHRIST himselfe and GOD even our Father which hath loved vs and hath given vs everlasting consolation and good hope through Grace comfort your hearts and stablish you in every good word and worke 2 Thes 2 16. Now vnto him that is able to keepe you from falling and to present you faultlesse before the presence of his glory with exceeding ioy to the onely wise GOD and Saviour be Glory and Maiesty Dominion and Power now and ever Iud. 24. And now Brethren I commend you to GOD and to the Word of his Grace which is able to build you vp and to giue you an inheritance among all them which are Sanctified Acts 20.32 The Grace of our Lord IESVS CHRIST bee with you all Amen Revel 22.21 FINIS